How we use natural resources plays a pivotal role to enable the transition towards low-carbon economies, combat climate change and realise the Sustainable Development Goals.
Unsustainable production and consumption systems powered by relentless extraction of natural resources have been driving the inter-linked planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Global material resource use has significantly increased in the past 50 years, and it is expected to more than double from 2015 to 2050. Latest scientific studies show that resource extraction and processing are responsible for over 80% of biodiversity loss and water stress, and for 50% of carbon emissions globally.
In order to counteract these negative impacts, it is key to scale down the extraction of primary resources and scale up solutions advancing an efficient and sustainable use of resources.
Long-lasting change requires the shared vision and effective collaboration of all the societal stakeholders, including policy, industry, science, finance and civil society.
RESOURCE EXTRACTION
Reduce extraction and operate responsibly
Enabling the extractive sector to positively contribute to the SGDs while guaranteeing the supply of mineral resources necessary for the transition towards low-carbon economies.
RESOURCE CIRCULARITY
Enabling resources to fulfil their full potential
Supporting the design and diffusion of circular economy models able to reduce the resource intensity and waste of the global economy by keeping products and materials in use.
RESOURCE RECOVERY
Preventing value being labelled as waste
Ensuring that end-of-pipe solutions efficiently recover resources with high environmental and health standards, reducing the ever-growing need for virgin raw materials.
